Eero Mesh WiFi Not Working with Smart Home Devices

Eero mesh WiFi systems (now owned by Amazon) are popular for whole-home coverage but can sometimes cause issues with smart home devices. This guide helps optimize Eero for IoT devices.

Smart Home Devices Can't Connect

When IoT devices won't join your Eero network:

  • 2.4GHz network: Most IoT devices need 2.4GHz - Eero handles this automatically but some devices struggle with band steering
  • Guest network trick: Create a guest network for problematic IoT devices - it's 2.4GHz only
  • Device limit: Check Eero app for connected device count - networks have limits
  • IPv6: Some devices have IPv6 issues - try disabling IPv6 temporarily during setup

Devices Go Offline Frequently

IoT devices disconnecting from Eero:

  • IP reservations: Use Eero app to set IP reservations for problem devices
  • SQM/QoS: Disable SQM if enabled, or tune it appropriately
  • Client steering: Eero may move devices between nodes - some IoT devices handle this poorly
  • Firmware updates: Keep Eero firmware updated for bug fixes
  • Thread network: For Thread devices, Eero 6 and newer act as Thread border routers

Eero and HomeKit

HomeKit-specific considerations:

  • HomeKit router: Eero supports HomeKit router feature for network isolation
  • Firewall settings: HomeKit router can restrict device internet access
  • Thread support: Eero 6 Pro and newer support Thread border router functionality
  • mDNS: HomeKit relies on mDNS - Eero handles this but reboot if devices don't discover

Eero Built-in Zigbee Hub

For Eero Pro 6E with Zigbee:

  • Limited support: Zigbee hub works with select Alexa-compatible devices only
  • Echo integration: Zigbee devices appear in Alexa app when enabled
  • Not universal: Won't work as a general Zigbee coordinator for Home Assistant

Optimizing for Smart Home

General tips for better IoT performance:

  • Wired backhaul: Use ethernet backhaul between Eero nodes when possible
  • Placement: Central node placement helps reach all IoT devices
  • Eero Labs: Test beta features carefully - some may affect IoT
  • Separate network: Consider separate network/VLAN for IoT if supported by router mode